Museums in Portugal
A guide to 175 Museums in Portugal — with descriptions, photos and traveler visits from the NextOnTrip community. Locations spread across 88 cities and towns. Most visited by the community: Casa-Museu Frederico de Freitas, Quinta das Cruzes Museum, Aljezur Táctil Museu Municipal.
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Bucelas Wine and Vineyard Museum
Bucelas
The Bucelas Wine and Vineyard Museum (Museu do Vinho e da Vinha) is a compact themed museum in Bucelas, in the municipality of Loures just north of Lisbon. It tells the story of a region long known for its white wines, and it opened on 26 July 2013. Where is it and how do you get there? The museum stands in the centre of Bucelas, roughly 20 kilometres from Lisbon (coordinates 38.90171, -9.12037). Driving from the capital is the easiest option, and a visit pairs well with a stroll through the town and a tasting at one of the nearby wineries. What is the building? The museum occupies a late 19th-century house that was once the residence of one of the largest wine producers in Bucelas, the Camilo Alves family. The property included a wine cellar and a warehouse. Both were restored and adapted for their new purpose, so the exhibition sits in a genuine winemaking setting. What can you see inside? The displays are organised into three distinct spaces: A section on the region – introduces the Bucelas area, traditional technologies and winemaking methods. A multimedia exhibition – follows every stage of vineyard work and wine production, from growing grapes to the finished bottle. A mezzanine – reserved for temporary exhibitions. What else is there? Beyond the permanent displays, the museum has a shop and workshop spaces. It also houses a documentation centre on wine-related subjects, named after Camilo Alves, which is useful for researchers and enthusiasts. A separate interpretation centre covers the history of the Peninsular War, adding a historical thread to the visit. The building is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Who is it for? It suits anyone curious about wine, the culture of the Lisbon area or local history. The visit is not long, so it fits neatly into a day around Loures and Bucelas. The multimedia elements make the production process easy to follow even for people with no background in winemaking. Frequently asked questions When is the museum open? Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:00. It is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Check the Loures municipality website for current hours before you go. When did it open? On 26 July 2013, after a pre-existing residential building was renovated. Is it accessible for visitors with disabilities? Yes, the venue provides access for people with reduced mobility. Is there a gift shop? Yes, there is a shop on site, and workshops are also held. How much time should you plan? One to two hours is usually enough to see the three exhibition spaces at a relaxed pace, depending on how much time you spend with the multimedia displays and documentation centre. In short The Bucelas Wine and Vineyard Museum combines the story of a family estate, the tradition of viticulture and a modern multimedia presentation. It is an approachable, focused stop that explains the character of the wine region near Lisbon and the reputation of its wines.
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Atelier-Museu Júlio Pomar
Lisboa
Atelier-Museu Júlio Pomar is a small art museum in Lisbon dedicated to the work of Portuguese painter Júlio Pomar (1926–2018). It occupies a converted former warehouse on Rua do Vale, between the Bairro Alto and Madragoa neighbourhoods, in the Misericórdia area. The building was designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira, winner of the 1992 Pritzker Architecture Prize. Who was Júlio Pomar and what can I see here? Pomar is regarded as one of Portugal's major twentieth-century artists. The museum's holdings include around 1,500 works, both by him and by artists who were close to him. The programme reflects the technical and thematic range of his career: the collection spans paintings, engravings, collages, sculptures, drawings, ceramics and even assemblages. A permanent display is usually on view, alongside changing temporary exhibitions. The museum also hosts shows by other Portuguese and international artists, emerging and established, chosen to enter into dialogue with the building and with Pomar's oeuvre. It runs events, conferences and educational activities too, and its mission is to deepen knowledge of the painter's work and encourage reflection on contemporary art and culture. What is the history of the building? Lisbon City Council bought the former warehouse on Rua do Vale in 2000. It was meant to become Pomar's own studio; he lived on the same street in his later years. Renovation took several years, and in 2010 the artist gave up the idea of working there, which allowed the space to open as a museum sooner than planned. The museum opened in 2013 and joined the network of cultural venues managed by EGEAC on 2 January 2015. What is special about the architecture? Siza kept the main components of the existing structure, including its volume, load-bearing walls and roof, and concentrated on the formal and spatial details typical of his work. The complex is modest: an outdoor patio and a two-storey building with a large central exhibition hall. It also contains two storage rooms, service areas, an office, an auditorium and a reception. For architecture fans, it is a chance to see a Pritzker laureate's work at an intimate scale. Frequently asked questions Where is the museum? In Lisbon on Rua do Vale, between Bairro Alto and Madragoa, in the Misericórdia area. When is it open? According to the museum: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:00. Closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday and 25 December. Check the official website for current hours before visiting. Who runs it? EGEAC, Lisbon's cultural agency. Do I need to know Pomar's work? No. The museum is compact and the exhibitions show a variety of techniques, so it suits a short, quiet visit while exploring Bairro Alto and Madragoa. Are there exhibitions besides Pomar's? Yes, the programme also features Portuguese and international artists.
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Casa da Ribeira
Viseu
Casa da Ribeira in Viseu – a craft museum in a historic house Casa da Ribeira is a small museum in the centre of Viseu, in northern Portugal. It occupies a house that dates back to the 17th century and is dedicated to regional craftsmanship. Admission is free and a visit usually takes about fifteen minutes, which makes it an easy stop on a walk through the city. Where is Casa da Ribeira? The building stands in central Viseu, on Largo Nossa Senhora da Conceição, opposite the church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição. The Pavia River flows nearby, and the name "ribeira" refers to a stream or riverside area. The location makes it simple to combine the visit with a stroll through the old town. What is the history of the house? The original building was put up in the 17th century by a wealthy farmer from the region. In 1976 the Municipality of Viseu bought the property. In 1983 it was rebuilt and adapted for museum use in a project by architect Fernando Teixeira Gordo. The first crafts exhibition opened here in 1989. Since 27 January 2016 the building has held the status of Monument of Municipal Interest (Monumento de Interesse Municipal, MIM). What can you see inside? The display presents the old "industries" typical of the region, meaning traditional trades passed down through generations. The exhibition is set in a former factory and covers work in a variety of materials: paper crafts, basketry, embroidery, woodwork, ceramics, wrought iron, stained glass. In a single place you can see how varied the skills of local artisans were, and what everyday objects and decorations were made around Viseu. Who is it for? Casa da Ribeira suits travellers who want a taste of local culture without planning a long visit. Because entry is free and the tour is short, it fits easily into a day packed with other sights. Fans of traditional handicrafts, detail photography and historic architecture will find plenty to notice. It also works well for families, since it needs neither many hours nor special preparation. Frequently asked questions Is admission to Casa da Ribeira paid? No, entry is free. How long does a visit take? Usually around 15 minutes. What is on display? Regional crafts: paper, baskets, embroidery, wood, ceramics, wrought iron and stained glass. When was the building constructed? The original house dates from the 17th century; it was converted into a museum in the 1980s, and the first crafts exhibition took place in 1989. Where exactly is the museum? In central Viseu, on Largo Nossa Senhora da Conceição, opposite the church of the same name and close to the Pavia River. Is the building protected? Yes, since 2016 it has been classified as a Monument of Municipal Interest.
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Museu da Misericórdia do Porto
Porto
Museu da Misericórdia do Porto (MMIPO) is a museum and church in the historic centre of Porto, on Rua das Flores. It tells the story of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto, one of Portugal's oldest charitable institutions, and displays art connected with its work. What is this place? From the mid-16th century until 2013, the building on Rua das Flores served as the headquarters of the charitable brotherhood. Today it houses a museum that blends contemporary interior architecture with historic spaces. The museum belongs to the Portuguese Museums Network. Its aim is to present the history and mission of the Santa Casa, and to show art collections and objects that document its care for people in need. How did the Misericórdia of Porto begin? The Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto was founded in 1498 on the initiative of King Manuel I and Queen Leonor. Misericórdia brotherhoods looked after the sick, the poor and people in difficult circumstances, and over the centuries their work shaped life in the city. The museum lets you follow that story through paintings, objects and documents. What should you see in the museum? The star of the collection is Fons Vitae ("Fountain of Life"), a large Flemish Renaissance painting. It shows King Manuel I and his family gathered around a fountain fed by the blood of the crucified Christ. The work impresses with its scale and symbolism, and it shows how closely the monarchy was tied to the ideal of mercy. Beyond it, visitors will find sacred art and portraits from the 15th to the 17th century. It is a good chance to see how wealthy benefactors and brotherhood members wanted to be remembered. Is the church part of the visit? Yes. Next to the museum stands the Igreja da Misericórdia, regarded as one of the finest churches near the Ribeira district. The church dates to the 16th century and was redesigned in the 18th century by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, who left many Baroque works across Porto. Inside, look for the blue-and-white azulejos, the hand-painted tiles typical of Portugal. Who is this visit for? people interested in the history of Porto and Portuguese charity, lovers of sacred art and Renaissance painting, architecture fans who enjoy seeing modern interiors paired with a Baroque church, travellers looking for a calmer alternative to the city's busiest sights. Frequently asked questions Where is the museum? In Porto's historic centre, on Rua das Flores, close to the Ribeira district. What is its most valuable exhibit? The Flemish painting Fons Vitae, showing Manuel I and his family around a fountain of Christ's blood. Who founded the Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto? It was founded in 1498 on the initiative of King Manuel I and Queen Leonor. Is the church worth seeing too? Yes. The Igreja da Misericórdia has an interior with azulejos and was redesigned in the 18th century by Nicolau Nasoni. How much time should I allow? About one to two hours is comfortable for the museum and church. Check the museum's website for current opening hours and ticket prices before you go.
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Museu Municipal de Esposende
Esposende
Museu Municipal de Esposende Museu Municipal de Esposende is the municipal museum in the centre of Esposende, a seaside town in the Minho region of northern Portugal. It occupies the former Teatro Club de Esposende building from 1911 and has served as a museum of the local community and territory since 1993. For anyone curious about regional history, ethnography and contemporary art, it is a natural first stop in town. What is the building? The building was originally home to a theatre club. It was designed by architect Miguel Ventura Terra (1866–1919), a notable figure in Portuguese architecture around the turn of the twentieth century. Now more than a hundred years old, it is part of the town's heritage in its own right. It was adapted for museum use by architect Bernardo Ferrão (1945–2006) and opened to visitors in 1993. What can you see? From the start the museum set out to present collections tied to the municipality: archaeology, ethnography and contemporary art. In 2012 the museum programme was reworked. The archaeology collection was separated and moved to the municipal cultural heritage service, based at the São Lourenço Interpretation Centre in Vila Chã. In the town museum itself, the emphasis shifted to ethnography and contemporary art. The new concept describes a polynuclear museum, with several sites, and the creation of the Esposende Network of Sea Museums. That suits a town so closely tied to the Atlantic and the Cávado river. The main permanent exhibition is titled "Do Paleolítico aos nossos dias" (From the Paleolithic to our days), tracing the long history of the lands around Esposende. Accessibility The interior was upgraded in 2005 and 2012, partly to improve physical accessibility. It is worth checking before you go if you travel with a pushchair or with someone who has reduced mobility. Opening hours According to OpenStreetMap, hours change with the season: June to September: Tuesday to Friday 8:00–12:00 and 14:00–18:00; Saturday and Sunday 14:00–18:00, October to May: Tuesday to Friday 8:00–12:00 and 14:00–17:00; Saturday and Sunday 14:00–17:00. The museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Phone: +351 253 960 182. Confirm current hours before you visit. Frequently asked questions When was the building constructed? In 1911, as the Teatro Club de Esposende, to a design by Miguel Ventura Terra. Since when has it been a museum? Since 1993. Will I see archaeological collections here? Since 2012 the archaeology collection has been kept at the São Lourenço Interpretation Centre in Vila Chã, not in the town-centre building. The town museum focuses on ethnography and contemporary art. Is the museum open at weekends? Yes, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 14:00. It is closed on weekend mornings. How long should I allow? It is a municipal museum of moderate size, so about an hour is usually enough, though this depends on your pace and current exhibitions. Who is it for? Travellers who want local context on Esposende before heading to the beach or a riverside walk, and anyone interested in early twentieth-century architecture and the regional traditions of Minho.
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National Museum Soares dos Reis
Porto
National Museum Soares dos Reis (Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis) is an art museum in Porto, Portugal, and one of the oldest public museums in the country. It occupies the Carrancas Palace, a late eighteenth-century mansion in the centre of the city, in the area of Cedofeita. What is the National Museum Soares dos Reis? It is a national art museum with collections of Portuguese art from several centuries. The museum takes its name from the sculptor António Soares dos Reis, and his work has a dedicated place in the displays. Visitors will find ceramics, sculpture, engravings, jewellery, furniture, goldwork, paintings, textiles and glass, so a single visit covers many kinds of craft and art rather than one narrow period. How did the museum begin? The institution was founded in 1833 under the name Museu Portuense. It was created to hold works of art that the state had taken over from dissolved monasteries in Porto and elsewhere in Portugal. This makes it the first Portuguese national museum presenting collections of Portuguese art. In 1932 it was raised to the rank of National Museum. That year brought a major reorganisation led by Vasco Valente, and the collections grew with objects from the Episcopal Palace of Porto, the Industrial Museum and the former Municipal Museum. Why is it housed in the Carrancas Palace? As part of the national commemorations of 1940, the museum was installed in the Carrancas Palace, opening with an exhibition devoted to Soares dos Reis. The palace was designed from 1795 by the architect Joaquim da Costa Lima Sampaio as a residence and a factory for the Moraes e Castro family. Its history includes the Peninsular War: the building served as headquarters of the French army and later of the Duke of Wellington. The museum therefore combines art with a building that has its own place in the story of Porto. What are the highlights? Ten objects in the collection are classified as Assets of National Interest. Among them are the sculpture "O Desterrado" by Soares dos Reis, an episcopal cross from the eighteenth century and a pair of Eucharistic cruets from Mughal India. The range of these pieces shows how the collection mixes national sculpture, church art and objects with links far beyond Portugal. Practical information The museum lies in Porto's historic centre, in the civil parish that joins Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau and Vitória. Its coordinates are about 41.148 N, 8.622 W. It is easy to combine with a walk through the surrounding streets. Check the official museum website for current opening hours and ticket prices before you go, as they can change. Frequently asked questions Who was Soares dos Reis? A Portuguese sculptor whose name the museum bears; his sculpture "O Desterrado" is among its most important works. When was the museum founded? In 1833, as the Museu Portuense. Is it a national museum? Yes, it received the status of National Museum in 1932. What kinds of objects can I see? Paintings, sculpture, ceramics, engravings, jewellery, furniture, gold, textiles and glass. Where is it? In the Carrancas Palace in Porto, northern Portugal.
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Museu da Água
Lisboa
The Water Museum in Lisbon (Museu da Água) is devoted to the history of how Portugal's capital gained, stored and distributed its water. It is run by the utility company EPAL and opened in 1987. Rather than a single building, it is a group of four sites spread across the city, which together tell the story of Lisbon's water supply in the 18th and 19th centuries. What does the museum include? Four spaces make up the museum: the Águas Livres Aqueduct, the Mãe d'Água reservoir in Amoreiras, the underground Patriarcal reservoir and the former Barbadinhos steam pumping station. Each represents a different stage in the journey of water to the city's residents, so visiting several gives a fuller picture of the system. The Águas Livres Aqueduct The aqueduct's entry into the city is marked by the arch on Rua das Amoreiras. It was designed by the Hungarian architect Carlos Mardel between 1746 and 1748, and for generations this infrastructure determined whether the city had access to clean water. Mãe d'Água reservoir, Amoreiras Mãe d'Água served as the terminal reservoir of the aqueduct. It was designed in 1745 and completed in 1834. Inside is a water tank 7.5 m deep, able to hold about 5,500 m³ of water. It is one of the most striking spaces in the whole museum. Patriarcal reservoir The Reservatório da Patriarcal was built between 1860 and 1864. Its distinctive feature is that it lies underground. It supplied water to downtown Lisbon, showing how the city network was expanded in the 19th century. Barbadinhos pumping station The coordinates for this entry point to the eastern part of the city, near Santa Apolónia, where the former Barbadinhos steam pumping station stands. This is the technical side of the museum: the machinery that pumped water up to the reservoirs. Who is it for? anyone interested in the history of technology and engineering, fans of 18th- and 19th-century architecture, visitors who want to see something in Lisbon beyond the usual tourist routes. Frequently asked questions Is the museum a single building? No. It is four separate sites in different parts of Lisbon, linked by a shared theme and one operator. Who runs it? The water utility EPAL (Empresa Portuguesa das Águas Livres). When did it open? In 1987. Which site should I see first? Mãe d'Água in Amoreiras is a good start, as it is the aqueduct's terminal point and a very impressive tank. Check opening hours and ticket prices with the operator before visiting, as they can change. Is there anything else nearby? Yes. The individual sites sit in neighbourhoods with other Lisbon attractions, so they are easy to combine with a city walk.
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Quinta da Macieirinha romantic museum
Porto
Museu Romântico da Quinta da Macieirinha in Porto Museu Romântico da Quinta da Macieirinha is a museum housed in a late 18th-century country house in Porto, set among the gardens of the Jardim do Palácio de Cristal. Its rooms evoke the atmosphere of a wealthy 19th-century Porto home and recall the king who spent his final months here. What is this place? The property goes by several names: Quinta da Macieirinha and also Quinta do Sacramento. It began as a country house surrounded by greenery and is now enclosed by a city park. Porto City Council bought the building in 1972 to turn it into a museum, and it opened to visitors that same year. It belongs to the city's network of museums and is often presented as an extension of Porto's story of Romanticism. Why is it linked to Charles Albert? Charles Albert of Savoy, King of Sardinia and Prince of Piedmont, found refuge in this house. After losing his throne he left his homeland and settled in Porto. He died at Quinta da Macieirinha on 28 July 1849, ill and in exile. The museum commemorates his presence, and the story of the king gives the rooms a quietly melancholic character. What can you see inside? A visit is a walk through rooms furnished in the spirit of the period. You will find: the King's Room, where Charles Albert received visitors, the Canvases Room, with paintings in the Romantic style, further rooms recreating the daily life of Porto's upper classes in the 19th century, a set of models and objects used in the city during that century. Furniture, decoration and small household items help you picture the sitting room, study or reception room of a well-off family in the Romantic era. Planning your visit The museum stands inside the Palácio de Cristal gardens, so it pairs well with a stroll through the park. The interiors are not large, and a visit usually takes somewhere between half an hour and an hour. It suits a calmer part of the day in Porto, when you want a break from the crowds along the Ribeira waterfront. Check opening hours and ticket prices on the Porto city museums website before you go, as they can change. Frequently asked questions Where is the museum? In Porto, within the Jardim do Palácio de Cristal gardens. When was the museum founded? The city bought the estate in 1972, and the museum opened then. Who lived here? Charles Albert of Savoy, King of Sardinia, who died here in exile in 1849. What period is the building from? The house dates from the late 18th century, while the displays recreate 19th-century Porto interiors. Is it worth visiting? Yes, if you enjoy history, period interiors and quieter places away from Porto's main tourist routes. The museum combines the tale of an exiled king with a picture of everyday bourgeois and aristocratic life, and its garden setting makes the visit a pleasant pause in exploring the city.
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Museu da Tapeçaria de Portalegre - Guy Fino
Portalegre
Museu da Tapeçaria de Portalegre – Guy Fino Museu da Tapeçaria de Portalegre – Guy Fino is a museum in the centre of Portalegre, in Portugal's Alentejo region, devoted entirely to the tapestries woven in this town. It opened in July 2001 and is named after one of the founders of the local manufactory. It is a rewarding stop for anyone curious about applied arts and contemporary design. Where is the museum housed? The collection occupies the Palácio Castelo Branco, a former noble residence of the Caldeira Castelo-Branco family. An 18th-century doorway survives from the original building. Architect Fernando Sequeira Mendes restored the interior, turning the old townhouse into a modern exhibition space. How did Portalegre tapestry begin? The story starts in 1946, when two friends, Guy Fino and Manuel Celestino Peixeiro, set out to revive the tradition of knotted-stitch wall hangings in the town. Manuel's father, Manuel do Carmo Peixeiro, challenged them to make tapestries using a stitch he had devised years earlier while studying textiles in Roubaix, France. The first piece was completed in 1948 to a design by João Tavares. When did the manufactory gain its reputation? Recognition came in 1952, when French tapestry makers travelled to Portugal for the large exhibition "French Tapestries from the Middle Ages to the Present". Its international standing was cemented in 1958, when Jean Lurçat, a leading figure of modern tapestry, visited. He began commissioning many of his compositions in Portalegre and regarded its weavers as the best in the world. What will you see inside? The displays are organised into two strands: Historical and technical section – covers the story of the Portalegre Tapestry Manufactory and the steps involved in making a tapestry. Artistic section – shows finished works only, in chronological order, from the late 1940s to the present day. This layout lets you follow how the style of the tapestries evolved and how new artists were drawn into collaborating with the workshop. Who should visit? The museum suits art and design lovers, anyone interested in traditional crafts, and travellers who want to see more of Portalegre than its historic centre. A visit usually takes about an hour, so it pairs easily with a walk around town. Frequently asked questions When did the museum open? In July 2001. Which building does it occupy? The Palácio Castelo Branco, a former noble house of the Caldeira Castelo-Branco family, with an 18th-century portal. Who was Guy Fino? He was a co-founder of the Portalegre weaving tradition. In 1946, together with Manuel Celestino Peixeiro, he began reviving knotted-stitch tapestry. Does the museum show how a tapestry is made? Yes, one of its two sections is dedicated to the technical processes of tapestry making. Should I check opening hours before going? Yes. Hours and ticket prices can change, so confirm them on the Portalegre municipality website or at a tourist office.
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Casa Museu José Régio
Portalegre
Casa Museu José Régio in Portalegre is the house museum of the poet José Régio (1901–1969), who lived here for 34 years. It works both as a biographical and an ethnographic museum, because Régio was not only a writer but also an avid collector. The rooms are filled with hundreds of pieces of sacred and folk art gathered by one man over decades. What is Casa Museu José Régio? This is the former home of a writer who came to Portalegre as a teacher. Today it shows both his daily life and his passion for collecting "modest things of popular art". A visit feels closer to walking through a collector's private home than through a conventional gallery of display cases. What is the history of the building? The house dates from the late 17th century. It is believed to have once been an annex of the Convent of São Brás, of which traces remain, notably part of the chapel. Régio first rented a single room. As his collection grew, he took over further rooms until he became the sole occupant of the whole house. In 1965 the writer sold his collections to the Portalegre municipality on condition that the town buy the house, restore it and turn it into a museum. It opened to the public in 1971, after the poet's death. What can you see in the collection? The collections are spread across 17 permanent exhibition rooms and one storage room, on two floors. They include: sculpture and painting, faience and ceramics, furniture, metalwork, including pewter, copper and wrought iron, textiles, numismatics and medals, documents and records, shepherds' handiwork and objects made of horn. The most striking part is a group of more than 400 crucifixes. The oldest figures date from the Gothic period, the 15th century. Alongside them you will find moulds for bread and cakes, paintings, thimbles and other small items that reflect Alentejo craftsmanship. Who is it for? Readers of Portuguese literature who want to see an author's home. Anyone interested in the sacred and folk art of the Alentejo. Travellers looking for something less obvious than the main sights of Portalegre. The museum stands on Rua José Régio in Portalegre, a town in the Alentejo region of eastern Portugal. Plan at least an hour, since 17 rooms full of small objects reward slow looking. Frequently asked questions Who was José Régio? A Portuguese writer and poet (1901–1969) who worked for many years as a teacher in Portalegre and lived in this house. When did the museum open? Régio sold his collection to the town in 1965, and the museum opened in 1971 through the Portalegre municipal council. How many exhibition rooms are there? Seventeen permanent exhibition rooms plus a storage room, on two floors. What is the most notable collection? More than 400 crucifixes, the oldest of them Gothic pieces from the 15th century. Is the museum open on Mondays? No. It is closed on Mondays and public holidays, and open during the day with a midday break on other days of the week.
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Museu Municipal de Portalegre
Portalegre
Museu Municipal de Portalegre is the city museum of Portalegre, in Portugal's Alentejo region. It occupies a former seminary building right beside the cathedral (Sé), and its collections document the religious and artistic past of the town. The strongest holdings are sculptures, paintings and liturgical objects that came from local convents and monasteries. How did the museum come about? The museum was founded in 1901 on a proposal by Severino Sant'Anna Marques, though it took a long time to reach the public. It first occupied a small room in the town hall, and in 1932 the collection moved into the church of the São Bernardo convent. It settled into its present home in 1959 and formally opened to visitors on 28 May 1961. What is the building? The house beside the cathedral was commissioned in the late 16th century by Bishop Amador Arrais as a diocesan seminary. Bishop João de Azevedo remodelled it in 1765. Over the years it also served as a teacher-training school and a primary school. Today it stands as a fine example of a noble historic building in the old centre. What is in the collection? The holdings come from two sources: property from the town's closed religious houses, chiefly the São Bernardo monastery and the Santa Clara convent, and gifts from private collectors. Sacred art is the most important section, both in number of pieces and in significance. Highlights include an Indo-Portuguese ivory figure of Our Lady of the Conception, a 15th-century Flemish Pietà, a 16th-century Namban-style missal stand, and a 16th-century polychrome terracotta altarpiece showing scenes from the life of Christ. Decorative arts cover furniture, painting and Portuguese faience. Practical information The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday. From 31 March to 28 October: 9:30-13:00 and 14:00-18:00. From 29 October to 30 March: 9:00-12:30 and 13:30-17:00. It is closed on public holidays that fall on a Monday. Phone: +351 245 307 525. Frequently asked questions When is the museum open? Tuesday to Sunday with a midday break; hours change with the season (see above). How long does a visit take? Usually about an hour, longer if sacred art interests you. What else is nearby? Portalegre Cathedral is next door, and the historic centre is easy to explore on foot. Is it worth it for art history fans? Yes, especially for the sacred art from regional convents, which blends Flemish, Indo-Portuguese and Far Eastern influences. How can I get in touch? Call +351 245 307 525.
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Casa dos Nichos
Viana do Castelo
Casa dos Nichos is a fifteenth-century house on Rua de Viana in Viana do Castelo, in northern Portugal. Today it hosts an archaeology museum showing part of the municipality's collection, from prehistory through the Iron Age to the Roman period. It is a small but rewarding stop while exploring the town. Why is it called Casa dos Nichos? The name means "House of the Niches" and comes from the façade. At the level of the main front there are two Gothic sculptures topped by canopies. They are high-relief scenes of the Annunciation, and they give the house its distinctive look among the neighbouring buildings. What is the history of the building? The house is more than 500 years old. Over the centuries it served as a residence, a commercial premises and a beverage warehouse. The city council later bought it, restored it, and in 2008 turned it into a museum centre devoted to the archaeology of Viana do Castelo. One of the town's oldest buildings thus gained a new purpose and became open to visitors. What can you see inside? The permanent exhibition presents part of the municipal archaeological collection, with emphasis on three periods: prehistory, the Iron Age and Romanization. The display has a strong educational focus, and visitors can use multimedia resources to learn about local heritage. Sites covered include: the citânia of Santa Luzia, an Iron Age settlement site, the medieval tombs of Santa Maria de Geraz do Lima, the rock carvings of Carreço. Casa dos Nichos works as an educational extension of the Municipal Museum, dedicated to presenting the archaeological heritage of the Viana do Castelo region. Educational activities are also held here. How to plan a visit The museum stands in the historic centre on Rua de Viana, so it is easy to combine with a walk through town. According to municipal information, admission is free and it is open Monday to Friday, 9:00–13:00 and 14:00–17:00. Check the town council's website before you go, as hours may change. Frequently asked questions Is admission to Casa dos Nichos free? According to municipal information, yes. What is inside? An archaeology exhibition on prehistory, the Iron Age and Romanization, with multimedia resources. How old is the building? It dates from the fifteenth century, so it is over five hundred years old. Why is it called "Casa dos Nichos"? After the two Gothic sculptures in niches on its façade, depicting the Annunciation.
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Museum of Transport and Communications
Porto
The Museum of Transport and Communications (Museu dos Transportes e Comunicações) in Porto is dedicated to the history of transport and communication in Portugal. It occupies the former New Customs House (Alfândega Nova), right beside the Douro River in the city's riverside district. What is the museum and when was it founded? The museum dates to 1992. It began with an association created to establish an institution on transport and communication, with the founding deed issued on 21 February 1992. Its collections follow how people and messages moved around Portugal, with a particular focus on cars, including presidential vehicles. What is the building like? The New Customs House dates from 1860 and is neoclassical in style. Its original design, drawn up in the late 1850s, is credited to Jean François Colson. The building was later adapted following a project by the Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, so the architecture is worth a look even if the exhibits are your main goal. What is on permanent display? The permanent programme includes: "Metamorphosis of a Place", which tells how the site itself has changed, "The Engine of the Republic: the Presidential Cars", showing vehicles used by heads of state, the panel "Ribeira Negra" by Júlio Resende, an important Portuguese painter. Are there temporary exhibitions? Yes, the museum stages them often. Past themes have included the Macau Grand Prix, President Bernardino Machado's train trip to visit Portuguese troops in France during the First World War, a London Natural History Museum show on the origins and future of life on Earth, children's toys, and photography. Check the current programme before you go. Frequently asked questions Where is the museum? In Porto, in the former New Customs House beside the Douro. When was it founded? The institution was founded in 1992; the building dates from 1860. Is it only about cars? No. The subject is transport and communication in Portugal more broadly, although the presidential car collection is among its best-known features. Who adapted the building? The work followed a project by architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. Who will enjoy a visit? Car and twentieth-century history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in architecture, since the neoclassical building on the Douro is an attraction in itself. Temporary shows, including ones for families and photography fans, widen the appeal.
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Monte Palace Museum
Funchal
Monte Palace Museum in Funchal is a museum set within the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, in the Monte district above the capital of Madeira. It brings together a mineral collection, African sculpture and a historic estate with gardens in one visit. How did this place come about? The estate's story goes back to the 18th century, when Charles Murray, an English consul, bought the land and turned it into an estate. In 1897 it was acquired by Alfredo Guilherme Rodrigues, who built a palatial residence there. The building was later converted into a hotel called the Monte Palace Hotel. In 1988 the Madeiran entrepreneur José Berardo donated the property to his foundation, and the tropical garden opened to the public in 1991. What can I see in the museum? The museum has two permanent exhibitions spread across three galleries. "African Passion" is a collection of contemporary Zimbabwean sculpture dating from the late 1960s onward. The stone figures show how sculptors from that country turn local traditions into modern form. "Secrets of Mother Nature" occupies the lower floor. It presents a mineral collection regarded as one of the finest private ones in the world. The collection holds more than a thousand specimens, of which around 700 are on display. For anyone who enjoys geology, this is the highlight of the visit. What about the garden? The museum is part of the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, which covers roughly 70,000 square metres. Plants from around the world grow alongside Madeira's native flora. The centuries-old cycads, often called living fossils, stand out in particular. The garden belongs to the José Berardo Foundation, and the museum is visited as part of the same trip. How should I plan a visit? Monte sits on a hillside above Funchal, so getting there means heading uphill. Most visitors arrive by taxi, bus or the cable car from the city centre. Allow a few hours for an unhurried walk through the garden and both exhibitions. Paths run over slopes and steps, so comfortable shoes help. Check the garden's official website for current opening hours and ticket prices. Frequently asked questions Is the museum separate from the garden? The museum and garden form a single site on the grounds of the former Monte Palace estate. How many exhibitions are there? Two permanent exhibitions in three galleries: Zimbabwean sculpture and minerals. When did the garden open to the public? In 1991, after José Berardo donated the estate to his foundation in 1988. Who is it for? Anyone who enjoys plants, minerals, African art and the history of Madeira's old residences.
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Museu do Abade de Baçal
Bragança
Museu do Abade de Baçal is the leading regional museum of north-eastern Portugal. It occupies the former bishops' palace in Bragança and traces the story of Trás-os-Montes from prehistory to the present day. Its collections are broad enough to reward a slow visit, and it fits naturally into a walk around the old town. How did the museum begin? The institution was created in 1915 as a regional museum of art, archaeology and coins. It opened to the public in 1925 under Father Francisco Manuel Alves, better known as the Abade de Baçal, the abbot of Baçal. In 1935, as he retired, the museum took his name in recognition of his devotion to protecting the region's heritage. What is the building? The museum lives in the former Paço Episcopal, or Episcopal Palace. Its roots lie in the sixteenth-century "Casas da Mitra", and the present building dates largely from the eighteenth century. Bishops of the Miranda do Douro diocese stayed here, and the residence gained importance between 1764 and 1776, when the diocesan seat moved to Bragança. Since 1986 it has been classified as a Property of Public Interest. What can you see? The permanent exhibition fills fourteen rooms. It presents the religious, social, political, economic and artistic history of the north-east, together with the memory of the palace itself. Highlights include: Archaeology – decorated stelae, vessels and pottery fragments, arrowheads, halberds, axes and fibulae from prehistoric and proto-historic times, plus finds from the Celtic and Roman periods. Berrões – Iron Age stone animal sculptures typical of this corner of the Iberian Peninsula. Sacred art, numismatics and ceramics – objects tied to religious and everyday life in the region. Painting – works by well-known Portuguese artists such as Silva Porto, José Malhoa, Aurélia de Sousa and Veloso Salgado. Sá Vargas Legacy – eighteenth and nineteenth-century silverware and a notable seventeenth-century Indo-Portuguese cabinet. Ethnography – objects, paintings and photographs of daily life in Trás-os-Montes; in 2001 an important collection of transmontane masks joined the museum. Who is it for? History, archaeology and ethnography fans will get the most from it. It gives useful context for the region before you head into the mountains and villages around Bragança. Most visitors spend one to two hours inside. Frequently asked questions Where is the museum? In Bragança's historic centre, on Rua Abílio Beça, inside the former bishops' palace. When was it founded? It was created in 1915, opened to visitors in 1925 and has carried its current name since 1935. Are there Roman-era exhibits? Yes, the archaeological collection includes Celtic and Roman objects. What are berrões? They are Iron Age stone figures of animals, among the most distinctive pieces in the collection. Is it worth visiting for art? Yes, the museum holds paintings by important Portuguese painters and valuable items from the Sá Vargas Legacy.
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Museu da Indústria Baleeira
São Roque do Pico
Museu da Industria Baleeira (Whaling Industry Museum) in São Roque do Pico is an industrial museum set in a former sperm whale processing factory on Pico island in the Azores. The building stands in the town's port, and its interiors look much as they did when the plant was still working. It is the first public industrial museum in the archipelago. What was this place before it became a museum? The factory belonged to Sociedade das Armações Baleeiras Reunidas, founded in 1942. The company combined two stages of the trade: hunting sperm whales, and processing them into derivative products and selling those. The plant operated from 1946 to 1984 and covered about 1,200 m². It was the largest and most important sperm whale processing complex in the Azores. Until the 1970s, up to 20 animals were processed here in a single day. Where does Pico's whaling tradition come from? Its roots go back to the 18th century, when Americans arrived on the islands and introduced sperm whale hunting. The activity grew over time and became the main livelihood in São Roque do Pico. Traces of that tradition are still visible in the town, including in its character and atmosphere. What will I see inside? The exhibit is the industrial site itself. Visitors see boilers, furnaces and machinery used to turn whale carcasses into oil and meal. In the blacksmith's workshop, harpoons and other whaling tools are on display. Artisans work there in front of guests, so you can watch how such items were made. The museum has been regarded internationally as one of the best industrial museums of its kind. Who is it for? The visit suits anyone interested in industrial history, technology and the story of the Azores. It shows what factory work looked like and why whaling shaped life on Pico so strongly. Frequently asked questions Where is the museum? In São Roque do Pico, on the north coast of Pico island, in the Azores, Portugal. Coordinates: 38.5297 N, 28.3222 W. When did the factory operate? From 1946 to 1984. The company that owned it was founded in 1942. Is the museum unique? It is the first public industrial museum in the Azores. Are whales still hunted here? No. Whaling in the Azores has ended, and the old factory was turned into a museum. What can I see in the blacksmith's workshop? Harpoons and other whaling items, along with artisans demonstrating how they are worked.
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Museu de Angra do Heroísmo
Angra do Heroismo
Museu de Angra do Heroísmo The Museu de Angra do Heroísmo is the main museum of Terceira Island in the Azores. It occupies a former Franciscan convent in Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Its collections follow the story of the archipelago from its discovery in 1427 to the present day. How did the museum begin? The museum was officially created on 30 March 1949 by the Junta Geral, the governing body of the autonomous district of Angra do Heroísmo. Its first permanent home was the Bettencourt Palace, which it shared with the district archive from 1951 to 1969. The collections then moved to the São Francisco convent, where the museum remains today. How did it recover from the earthquake? The building was seriously damaged in the earthquake of 1 January 1980. Consolidation, restoration and adaptation work began in 1991. The museum reopened in November 1997, and the permanent exhibition was fully open again in September 2000. What is in the collections? The holdings are notably varied. They include: fine arts and archaeology, including underwater archaeology, military items and transport, maritime artefacts, toys and games, musical instruments, ethnography and textiles, decorative arts, science and technology, numismatics and stone specimens, graphic documents, images and sound recordings. The centrepiece is the permanent exhibition "Do Mar e da Terra" ("Of Sea and Land"). It tells the story of life in the Azores since the islands were discovered in 1427. You will see porcelain, antique furniture, navigational instruments and military equipment. Does the museum have other sites? Yes, it consists of three branches: the São Francisco Building, the headquarters, the Manuel Coelho Baptista de Lima Military History Branch, the Carmina – Dimas Simas Lopes Contemporary Art Gallery. A single visit can therefore combine maritime history, military history and contemporary art. Frequently asked questions Where is the museum? In the centre of Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island, in the former convent of São Francisco. When was the museum founded? Officially on 30 March 1949. It has occupied its current building since the restoration that ended with the 1997 reopening. How long should I plan for a visit? The permanent exhibition covers many themes, so allow at least a few hours, more if you also want to see the other branches. Is it a good stop for maritime history fans? Yes. The collections include maritime artefacts, navigational instruments and underwater archaeology finds linked to the Azores' place on ocean routes. Should I check opening hours before going? Yes. Hours and ticket prices can change, so check the museum's official website before you travel.
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Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro
Porto
Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro is a house museum in Porto's historic centre, set in a Baroque townhouse that once belonged to the poet and politician Guerra Junqueiro. The house and everything in it were given to the city, so visitors can still step into the domestic world of a passionate collector of furniture, textiles, ceramics and silver. Where is the museum and how do you find it? The building lies in the old cathedral quarter, within the merged civil parishes of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau and Vitória. It sits on a side street behind the Sé cathedral, which is why many visitors walk past it, even though it is only minutes from the best-known sights. The coordinates are roughly 41.1425 N, 8.6106 W. The property is classified in Portugal as an Imóvel de Interesse Público, a property of public interest. Who was Guerra Junqueiro? Guerra Junqueiro (1850-1923) was a poet, author and politician. His best-known works include Finis Patriae (1890) and Os Simples (1892). After his death the house stayed in the family, and in 1940 his daughter donated the building and its contents to the city of Porto, which is how the museum came to exist. What is known about the building's history? The Baroque house dates from around 1730. It is thought it may have been designed by Nicolau Nasoni (1691-1773), the Italian architect behind many of Porto's most famous buildings. Before Junqueiro acquired it, it was the home of a canon of Porto Cathedral. The residential feel survives: this is not a monumental palace but a house where someone really lived among his collections. What can you see in the collection? The collection includes furniture, Flemish tapestries, ceramics, glassware, silverware and religious art, mostly from the 15th to the 19th century. The silver holdings are especially extensive. The furniture ranges from Portuguese pieces to items from regions once within Portugal's overseas sphere of influence, including Macau and Japan. Together they show how far Portuguese trade and artistic contacts reached. Who is it for? It suits anyone who enjoys period interiors, decorative arts and quieter museums. A visit does not take long, and the intimate scale means you can look at the pieces without crowds. It pairs naturally with a visit to the nearby cathedral and old town. Frequently asked questions Is the building a protected monument? Yes, it holds Imóvel de Interesse Público status. Who built the house? The Baroque house of around 1730 is possibly attributed to Nicolau Nasoni, though this is not certain. Where did the collection come from? It was assembled by Guerra Junqueiro, and his daughter gave the house and contents to the city in 1940. What kinds of objects are on display? Furniture, Flemish tapestries, ceramics, glass, silver and religious art from the 15th to 19th centuries. Where exactly is it? On a side street behind the Sé cathedral in central Porto. Check current opening hours and ticket prices on Porto's official municipal museum pages before you go.
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Ceramics Museum of Sacavém
Loures
The Ceramics Museum of Sacavém (Museu de Cerâmica de Sacavém) is an industrial heritage museum in the town of Sacavém, in the municipality of Loures, just northeast of Lisbon. It sits on the grounds of a former ceramics factory and tells the story of a works that shaped the local landscape and the lives of its residents for over a century. Why visit? The museum does not stand next to the factory; it stands inside its former site. It opened in July 2000, and most of the exhibits reflect what was made there. For anyone interested in industrial heritage, ceramics or azulejos, it is a rare chance to see objects together with the place where they were produced. In 2002 the museum received the Luigi Micheletti Prize in the Industrial Heritage category. What is the history of the Sacavém factory? The factory was founded in 1856 by Manuel Joaquim Afonso, a glass industrialist from Marinha Grande. It was the first Portuguese firm to produce feldspathic faience tableware on an industrial scale, and it also made azulejos, sanitary ware and mosaics. Over time it failed to adapt to changing conditions and went bankrupt in 1979. What can you see? Tourist information lists more than 5,000 porcelain pieces and around 100 azulejos in the collection. The centrepiece is oven 18, a circular kiln with ten openings, a reminder of the firing process behind every piece. Besides the exhibition rooms, the museum has a terrace with a view of the River Tagus. In its workshops, former factory workers have recreated the whole production process, showing crafts of earlier decades. The documentation centre A documentation centre attached to the museum is devoted to the history and production of the factory and to the industrial heritage of Loures. It is mainly a resource for researchers and enthusiasts who want to go deeper than the displays. Frequently asked questions Where is the museum? In Sacavém, in the municipality of Loures, northeast of central Lisbon. When did it open? In July 2000, on the grounds of a former ceramics factory. Is the museum currently open to visitors? According to available information, the museum is temporarily closed to the public, while the documentation centre can be visited during set hours for research. Check the current details with the Loures municipality before you go. What is the main exhibit? The circular oven 18 with ten openings, along with the collection of factory products, including porcelain and azulejos. Can you see how ceramics were made? Former factory workers have recreated the production process in the museum's workshops, so a visit shows the technique as well as the finished objects. Who is it for? Design lovers, students of industrial history and fans of Portuguese ceramics, as well as travellers in Lisbon looking for something off the usual routes. Sacavém is close to the capital, so a visit is easy to combine with other plans northeast of the city.
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Casa-Museu Teixeira Lopes
Mafamude
Casa-Museu Teixeira Lopes is a museum in Vila Nova de Gaia, in the Mafamude district, across the Douro from Porto. It occupies the former home and studio of the sculptor António Teixeira Lopes (1866–1942) and is regarded as the first residence of a Portuguese artist to be turned into a museum. Who was Teixeira Lopes? António Teixeira Lopes was among the leading Portuguese sculptors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His house was more than a villa: from the start it served both as a family residence and as a sculpture workshop. Visitors therefore see not only finished works but also the space where they were made. How was the building created? The house was built in 1895 to designs by the architect José Teixeira Lopes, the sculptor's brother. This family collaboration produced a building suited to the artist's needs, combining living quarters with room to work. How did the house become a museum? The museum's origins go back to 1933, when the sculptor donated the house and all its contents to the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia. The holdings were later enriched by the collection of Diogo de Macedo, a sculptor, museologist and writer. Together, the two collections give a broad view of the visual arts of the 19th century and the first decades of the 20th. The Diogo de Macedo Galleries form part of the complex. What can you see? The collection includes many sculptures by Teixeira Lopes, along with paintings and decorative arts by other artists. The house preserves original furniture and the sculptor's own works in plaster, marble and bronze, plus drawings. Pieces by other sculptors and painters are on display too. Who is it for? It suits anyone interested in Portuguese art of the 19th and 20th centuries, the history of sculpture, or period interiors. A studio-home offers a look at an artist's daily surroundings that a conventional gallery cannot. Because it lies in the same urban area as Gaia and Porto, it combines easily with a wider day of sightseeing. Frequently asked questions What are the opening hours? According to OpenStreetMap data, the museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00–12:30 and 14:00–17:30. It is closed on 1 January, 1 May, 24 June and in December (check exact dates before visiting). Where is it? In Mafamude, Vila Nova de Gaia, on the south bank of the Douro opposite Porto. Who runs it? It is one of the municipal cultural venues of Vila Nova de Gaia. When was the house built? In 1895, as a residence and sculpture workshop. Is it a single-artist museum? Not only. Alongside Teixeira Lopes's work, it shows Diogo de Macedo's collection and pieces by other sculptors and painters.
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Centro de Interpretação da Batalha de Aljubarrota
Porto de Mós
Centro de Interpretação da Batalha de Aljubarrota (CIBA) is an interpretive museum in São Jorge, in the municipality of Porto de Mós, central Portugal. It stands on the Campo Militar de São Jorge, part of the former battlefield where Portuguese and Castilian armies clashed on 14 August 1385. That fight settled the question of Portuguese independence, and the centre tells the story in a way that works even if you know little about medieval history. What will I see inside? The exhibition covers the political background, the causes of the conflict, the tactics used by both sides and the key moments of the fighting. Audiovisual and interactive resources make the visit more than a walk past text panels. The highlight is a 32-minute multimedia show that recreates the battle step by step. Can I see the battlefield itself? Yes. Outside, you can walk part of the ground where the fighting took place. Flags, information boards and images are set out across the site, and the traps prepared by the Portuguese side are marked. The Chapel of São Jorge also stands here. Walking the grounds shows how the terrain shaped the defenders' strategy. Where is it and how does it connect to Batalha? The centre lies about 3 km from the Monastery of Batalha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built to give thanks for the victory. The two sights pair naturally in a single trip. Address: Avenida D. Nuno Álvares Pereira 120, São Jorge, Porto de Mós. Coordinates: 39.63956, -8.84518. Opening hours and tickets The centre is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:30. It is closed on Mondays, on 25 December, 1 January, Easter Sunday and 1 May. Admission is 8 euros. Phone: +351 244 480 060; email: [email protected]. The site is run by the Fundação Batalha de Aljubarrota, which also organises guided visits and activities for groups. Frequently asked questions How long should I plan for a visit? The multimedia show alone lasts 32 minutes. Add the exhibition and a walk over the battlefield, and about two hours is a sensible allowance. Is CIBA open on Mondays? No. It is closed on Mondays and on a few public holidays. Is it worth combining with the Monastery of Batalha? Yes. The two are about 3 km apart, and the monastery is directly tied to the battle shown here. The centre explains the events; the monastery shows their lasting legacy. Do I need to know Portuguese history beforehand? No. The exhibition starts with the context and follows the battle stage by stage, and the multimedia presentation makes it easy to follow. Is everything indoors? No. Part of the visit takes you across the outdoor battlefield area, with the Chapel of São Jorge and marked traps. In short For anyone interested in medieval European history, and for families who want more than a conventional museum, CIBA is one of the best places in the region to understand why the Battle of Aljubarrota holds such a strong place in Portuguese memory.
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Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian
Lisboa
Centro de Arte Moderna José de Azeredo Perdigão (CAM) is Lisbon's museum of modern and contemporary art, run by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. It sits in the Avenidas Novas district, across the garden from the Gulbenkian Museum, and is one of the best places in the city to see Portuguese art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Where does the name come from, and when did it open? The centre opened in July 1983. It is named after José de Azeredo Perdigão, the foundation's first president, who conceived the project together with the foundation's board. The original building was designed by British architect Sir Leslie Martin and his associates. The aim was to give modern art its own permanent home next to the founder's collection. What will you see in the collection? CAM holds one of the largest collections of 20th and 21st century Portuguese art, spanning painting, sculpture, drawing, photography and prints. Alongside Portuguese artists, the Gulbenkian modern collection also includes British ones. The museum keeps growing: it commissions new work and adds to its holdings, which today number around 12,000 pieces. You will find both well-known landmarks of Portuguese modernism and art being made now. What changed in 2024? In September 2024 the building reopened after a complete redesign by Kengo Kuma & Associates, working with OODA and VDLA. The new architecture ties the museum more closely to the surrounding garden, so a visit is as much a stroll through the foundation's grounds as a tour of exhibitions. If you knew CAM before the works, it is worth seeing again. How do you get there? The address is Rua Dr. Nicolau de Bettencourt, 1050-078 Lisbon. The nearest metro stations are São Sebastião and Praça de Espanha, and several bus lines stop nearby. From the city centre it takes about a quarter of an hour by metro. How to plan your visit CAM stands right beside the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, so many visitors combine the two in one day: the founder's collection of ancient, Eastern and European art in the morning, modern art in the afternoon. You walk between the buildings through the Gulbenkian Garden, which is a pleasant place to rest in its own right. Set aside several hours to see both museums properly. Opening hours, closing days and ticket prices (combined tickets and separate tickets for temporary exhibitions exist) vary by season, so check the foundation's website before you go. Frequently asked questions Who designed CAM? The original 1983 building is by Sir Leslie Martin. Its current look comes from the Kengo Kuma redesign completed in 2024. Is CAM part of the Gulbenkian Museum? Both belong to the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and are neighbours, but they are separate buildings: the founder's collection is in the main museum, modern art is in CAM. What kind of art is on show? Mainly Portuguese art of the 20th and 21st centuries: painting, sculpture, drawing, photography and prints, plus works by British artists. How long does a visit take? Allow around two hours for CAM alone, and most of a day if you combine it with the main museum and the garden. How do I get there by metro? Get off at São Sebastião or Praça de Espanha and walk a short distance to the entrance on Rua Dr. Nicolau de Bettencourt. Why go? If you want to understand how Portuguese artists saw their country and the world over the last century, CAM is the best starting point in Lisbon. The new architecture, the garden outside the windows and the broad sweep of the collection make it a fixture on any art lover's itinerary.
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Amália Rodrigues House Museum
Lisboa
The Amália Rodrigues House Museum (Casa-Museu Amália Rodrigues) in Lisbon is the former home of the city's most celebrated fado singer, now open to visitors. Located on Rua de São Bento, it offers a look into the private life of an artist who lived within these walls for half a century. What is this place? The museum opened on 23 July 2001, fulfilling one of Amália's own deepest wishes: to open her home to the public and let people see her personal, intimate side. For roughly 50 years the building was her home. She lived here, welcomed those she loved, and spent her final days here. Today it is looked after by the Amália Rodrigues Foundation, which works to preserve and promote her legacy. What does the building look like? The house dates from the mid-18th century and is built in the pre-Pombaline style, the architecture typical of Lisbon before the reconstruction that followed the great earthquake. The whole property covers about 415 square metres, of which around 200 are the building itself and the remainder a patio with a garden. The walls are covered in blue azulejo tiles from the 17th and 18th centuries, one of the most recognisable features of Portuguese interiors. What will I see inside? The interior has been kept as Amália left it, with original furnishings and decoration that reveal her personal, eclectic taste. The collection includes: tapestries and paintings, azulejos, antique furniture, her dresses, stage jewellery and shoes. Together they make it easy to picture the everyday life of a woman who remains forever in the hearts of the Portuguese. How does the visit work? The entrance is on the ground floor, while the museum route runs through the first and second floors. Fado concerts are held in the house on a regular basis, adding to the atmosphere of a place where music was part of daily life. Frequently asked questions Where is the museum? On Rua de São Bento in Lisbon. When did it open? On 23 July 2001. Was this really Amália Rodrigues' home? Yes. She lived here for about 50 years and spent her last days in the house, and the interiors remain as she left them. How old is the building? It dates from the mid-18th century and is in the pre-Pombaline style. Are there concerts? Yes, fado concerts take place at the museum regularly. Who is it for? Fans of fado, music history and Portuguese azulejo interiors. It is also a quieter way to see Lisbon from a more personal angle, away from the busiest tourist routes, through the story of one of the country's greatest artists. Before visiting, check current opening hours and ticket prices on the Amália Rodrigues Foundation website, as they can change with the season and with events held at the house.
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Museu Nacional da Imprensa
Porto
Museu Nacional da Imprensa in Porto is a museum of printing and graphic arts where the machines are not just displayed but still at work. Open since 1997, it is described as the only "living" museum of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula. It stands at the eastern edge of the city, next to the Palácio do Freixo and the Freixo Bridge, on the banks of the Douro. Where is the museum? The building sits in Porto's eastern end, near the Freixo marina, where the small Tinto River meets the Douro. It is a quieter part of town, away from the crowds around the Ribeira and the Clérigos Tower, so it works well as a separate stop, paired with a riverside walk and a look at the neighbouring Freixo palace. What is on display? The collection is among the largest in the world connected with the printing press and graphic arts. The exhibition is divided into four sectors that follow the stages of making printed matter: Foundry – casting type, Composition – both manual and mechanical, Printing – presses and printing machines, Bookbinding – finishing books. Together they let you follow the whole path from a metal letter to a finished book or newspaper. What is "Memórias Vivas da Imprensa"? The permanent exhibition is called "Memórias Vivas da Imprensa", or "Living Memories of the Press". Since 1997 it has been housed in the Sala Rodrigo Álvares, a multipurpose space that also hosts temporary exhibitions and events. The room honours Rodrigo Álvares, the first Portuguese printer in Porto, who printed two books in the city in 1497. A separate room pays tribute to him. Can you try printing yourself? Yes, and it is the highlight of the visit. Dozens of working printing machines are kept in the museum, and visitors can try some of them, setting type by hand and pulling a print in the old-fashioned way. For children and adults alike, it shows how much labour once went into producing an ordinary newspaper. PortoCartoon-World Festival The museum is linked to the PortoCartoon-World Festival, held every year since 1999. The Federation of Cartoonists' Organizations (FECO) counts it among the three most important cartoon competitions in the world. That adds contemporary satirical drawing to the story of print. Frequently asked questions Is it suitable for children? Yes. Hands-on printing on working machines makes the visit interactive and keeps younger visitors engaged. How long should I allow? About an hour is usually enough, though anyone interested in printing may want longer. Is it expensive? Admission is very low, but check prices and opening hours before you go, on the museum's website or at a tourist office. What else is nearby? The neighbouring Palácio do Freixo, the Freixo Bridge and the Douro riverside promenades. Who will enjoy it most? Anyone interested in the history of the book, typography, graphic design and craft, and anyone who wants to see in motion the machines that shaped communication for centuries.
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